Firm
/fɜːrm/noun
Solid or steadfast in structure or character.
Did you know?In medieval times, the term 'firm' was often used in legal contexts, signifying an unyielding promise or agreement, binding individuals to their word as if by magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To carry or to bear, indicating strength and endurance.”
Latin
Latin
firmus
“Strong, steadfast, suggesting reliability and firmness.”
Old French
Old French
ferme
“Strong, stable, often used in contexts of agreements and contracts.”
Middle English
Middle English
ferme
“Fixed, stable, used in both physical and metaphorical senses.”
Modern English
English
firm
“Solid, strong, and reliable, retaining its connotations of strength and stability.”